Lakehurst council discusses walking path, fitness trail and moving boat ramp but takes no formal action

Lakehurst council members on Feb. 20, 2025 discussed possible improvements to the borough lake shoreline — including creating a walking path with fitness-station elements and relocating the boat ramp — but did not vote on any project.

Councilman Jeffrey Emmons said he has been exploring options to turn the back of the lake into a walking path and a potential fitness trail, and reported that Public Works estimated only a few hours of work would be needed to alter the boat ramp. Mayor Harry Robbins asked where any closure of lake access would be located, and Councilman McCarthy said moving the ramp could address an ongoing sand issue at the site. McCarthy also told the council that RV Engineers will perform a preliminary review as part of a feasibility process; the council did not set a timetable for next steps.

The discussion noted possible grant funding for a fitness trail and a separate offer from New Horizon Electric Company to retrofit lights at the firehouse at a reduced rate. Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan described the lake as “our recreational jewel” and emphasized the lake’s value to the borough when the council considered the idea.

No ordinance, resolution, or specific expenditure was introduced or approved during the meeting. Councilman McCarthy said he had spoken with the borough chief of police and with the CFO about feasibility and that RV Engineers would complete a preliminary review; the CFO was not named in the minutes. Any formal project would require further study, a detailed cost estimate and, if applicable, grant applications.

The council moved on after the work-session discussion and later approved routine minutes and a consent agenda by unanimous roll call. The lake-improvements topic is expected to return for staff follow-up and for possible inclusion in future budget or grant discussions.